homeowner news LETTER                NOVEMBER 2009

In this issue:

- Start your federal tax return earlier to cash in on 2009 changes

- Prepare your house for winter weather

- Replacing your roof? What you should know about roofing systems

- Explore new flavors in recipes this holiday

 - Recipe of the Month

   Apple Cranberry Stuffing

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prepare your house for winter weather

(ARA) - With the winter weather slowly creeping in, it's time to get your house ready for all the potential bad weather that can cause damage to your property.

Don't wait until the first frost or snowfall to prepare your house for winter. Here is a checklist of items to help you make sure you're ready for winter:

* Turn off and drain all of your outdoor plumbing.

* Clean the gutters of any debris. Also install gutter downspout extensions a minimum of four feet from the house for the winter months.

* Take a good look at the shingles. Make sure none are missing or curled up. Also check for signs of leaks - i.e., stains, cracks, damp spots - and make sure you seal the cracks.

* When ice and wind storms hit your home, you don't want to be without power for very long. A Kohler standby generator runs on propane or natural gas and is connected to your home's existing gas lines. A transfer switch monitors electrical activity coming into the home, and when that activity stops due to a power failure, the transfer switch kicks in - in as little as 10 seconds - and the generator has your power up and running again.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Replacing your roof? What you should know about roofing systems

(ARA) - Fall is prime time to put a new roof on your home. But before you spring into action, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, buying new shingles without the rest of the roofing system is like buying a car with no engine.

Any roofing system you purchase should address all key parts of the roof. From hip and ridge, ventilation, insulation, ice and water shield, underlayments, gutter protection and the shingles themselves, ordering a complete system like Owens Corning's roofing system ensures all parts will work together perfectly.

Choosing a contractor to install your new roof is just as important as choosing the roof itself. Use references from friends and family, and online resources like Owens Corning's contractor locator - found at www.owenscorning.com - to gather names and information on candidates. Be sure to check contractors' license status before you seek bids from them. And don't automatically go for the lowest bid - be sure competing bids are comparing apples to apples before you decide on one.

To learn more about complete roofing systems for your home, visit www.roofingsystem.com.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Explore new flavors in recipes this holiday

(ARA) - Holiday tunes on the radio, mistletoe hanging in strategic locations and the scent of pine lingering in the air - it's the perfect time to get into the kitchen and discover some new cooking flavors that will keep your taste buds happy and give your house a warm, yummy smell.

Not only does cooking in the kitchen gather everyone together during the holidays, but it provides the opportunity for some creative thinking about new recipes and ways to put a different twist on traditional favorites.

Experimenting with recipes allows you to explore new cooking flavors, either by using unique and new spices, or by combining different ingredients for a different taste.

One flavor many cooks often forget to try is vanilla, which has a heady, aromatic taste combined with sweet, fruity and floral scents. Vanilla beans are grown in primarily four locations around the world - Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico and Tahiti - and each variety of bean can be used to enhance both sweet and savory flavors.

Nielsen-Massey's Pure Vanillas are cold extracted to slowly draw out the delicate flavors of the beans. Gourmet food shops, bakers, chefs of fine restaurants and manufacturers of premium ice creams use these vanillas because of their quality and varying flavors.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Apple Cranberry Stuffing

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 8 cups Hawaiian sweet bread, cubed and toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine chicken broth and cranberries; let soak for 30 minutes.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, pepper and celery; cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently or until tender. Add apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.

Beat 3 eggs in a separate bowl. Add salt and pepper. Set aside.

In the large bowl with vegetables, stir in chicken broth mixture, celery soup, and cinnamon. Add toasted bread, stirring gently to combine. Add eggs. Spoon mixture into prepared dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until center is set.

Courtesy of Paula Deen and www.foodnetwork.com

When you work with a NARI Professional you get.... A full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who has experience, and voluntarily adheres to NARI’s strict Code of Ethics. NARI’s screening process offers this assurance. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, educational seminars and conferences.

NARI is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience. NARI represents professional remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to you, the homeowner.

The statements or views expressed in the NARI Newsletter are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of the NARI Mid-Maryland Chapter. To receive this newsletter via e-mail please send an e-mail request to NARI at info@marylandnari.org – subject line – NARI Newsletter with your information.